Broken/damaged watch sensor

[justjax]

So my original series 1 watch is broken. I dropped it about a week or so back and all appeared fine but then as I pulled it off the charger the next day, I could see that the sensor on the back was loose and only thing keeping it attached to the main body of the watch was some thin wires. The sensor popped back on okay and again appeared fine but then when I tried using the fineness tracking it doesn't track the heart rate and also noticed that it now keeps auto locking and doesn't unlock with the phone.

I've looked on the Apple site and they want circa £175 GBP for an out of warranty fix. As far as I'm concerned that's ridiculously over priced, especially as I can get a new original series 1 for £210 GBP from some retailers.

I really don't want to spend more than a £100 GBP. Any suggestions on a cheaper fix?

 

[Newtons Apple]

Only way to get it cheaper would be with a third party repairing it. On the other side of the pond we had multiple watches where the back sensor fell off when removing from the charger. It turned out to be a glue related problem, you might be able to get Apple to fix it for free if there is no other physical damage

 

[44267547]

So my original series 1 watch is broken. I dropped it about a week or so back and all appeared fine but then as I pulled it off the charger the next day, I could see that the sensor on the back was loose and only thing keeping it attached to the main body of the watch was some thin wires. The sensor popped back on okay and again appeared fine but then when I tried using the fineness tracking it doesn't track the heart rate and also noticed that it now keeps auto locking and doesn't unlock with the phone.

I've looked on the Apple site and they want circa £175 GBP for an out of warranty fix. As far as I'm concerned that's ridiculously over priced, especially as I can get a new original series 1 for £210 GBP from some retailers.

I really don't want to spend more than a £100 GBP. Any suggestions on a cheaper fix?

UnFortunately, I don't see any way around to have this repaired without Apple having to assess it. And the sport model is known to have these issues with the back plate popping off, where the stainless has not had very many reports of that or at from my readings.

 

[justjax]

Thanks both. I've gone online and booked myself into the Genuis bar for a repair. When it comes to the options, there was a fault or issue called 'loose back piece' so as you both point out, this is clearly something that can happen. Doesn't mention any disclaimer about costs, but I suppose they would probably advise on that at the store in I needed to pay. I think I will push the argument that it just came off with the charger (which it did) and that it's clearly an issue as it's a fault listed on their own site. Will see what the say.

 

[44267547]

Thanks both. I've gone online and booked myself into the Genuis bar for a repair. When it comes to the options, there was a fault or issue called 'loose back piece' so as you both point out, this is clearly something that can happen. Doesn't mention any disclaimer about costs, but I suppose they would probably advise on that at the store in I needed to pay. I think I will push the argument that it just came off with the charger (which it did) and that it's clearly an issue as it's a fault listed on their own site. Will see what the say.

I know A few forum members have said that when They take their charging puck off the back of the Apple Watch, the back actually stuck to the charging puck. Apple might replace it with a refurbished model for you. Perhaps it may not cost you anything.

 

[justjax]

Good news. Had my appointment at the Apple Store today and they are replacing it free of charge, pretty much no questions asked. He basically acknowledged it was a quality control issue and they would replace it even though it was out of warranty. Only downside is they said it has to be sent off and replacement would come from the depot and that would take 10-14 days. Bit annoying but I don't really mind if I get a refurbished one in its place.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Good news. Had my appointment at the Apple Store today and they are replacing it free of charge, pretty much no questions asked. He basically acknowledged it was a quality control issue and they would replace it even though it was out of warranty. Only downside is they said it has to be sent off and replacement would come from the depot and that would take 10-14 days. Bit annoying but I don't really mind if I get a refurbished one in its place.

The good thing is you will having a working watch that cost nothing to fix!

Congrats and glad it worked out for you!

 

[44267547]

Good news. Had my appointment at the Apple Store today and they are replacing it free of charge, pretty much no questions asked. He basically acknowledged it was a quality control issue and they would replace it even though it was out of warranty. Only downside is they said it has to be sent off and replacement would come from the depot and that would take 10-14 days. Bit annoying but I don't really mind if I get a refurbished one in its place.

You should receive the replacement sooner than that. Apple unfortunately doesn't carry Watch replacements in store.

 

[justjax]

You should receive the replacement sooner than that. Apple unfortunately doesn't carry Watch replacements in store.

You were totally right. Kudos to Apple, clearly didn't even attempt to fixed it, replacement sent out and received today, all in under 72 hours.

 

[44267547]

You were totally right. Kudos to Apple, clearly didn't even attempt to fixed it, replacement sent out and received today, all in under 72 hours.

Good to hear.